Jun. 22, 2018
HARRISBURG — The House and Senate today approved legislation drafted by Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) to make updates in the Human Services Code to implement the Fiscal Year 2018-19 state budget package.
The bill originally was drafted to change the words “day care” to “child care” in state law.
“It is an honor to have important human service code changes added to my legislation, which better reflects what is happening in child care centers throughout the Commonwealth,” Ortitay said. “Children gain valuable education during the many hours they spend in these centers. The additions to my bill implement or extend vital programs for people of all ages who need support and resources, and also make fiscal sense. Since my election in 2014, I have been working to make the Medicaid program more efficient. The bill includes a new program for nonemergency medical transportation, which is expected to save $15 million and improve Medicaid services. I’m pleased to see this addition.”
House Bill 1677 would:
• Replace the words “day care” with “child care” in state law to better reflect the reality of what occurs at these sites and the incredibly important work of early childhood professionals.
• Creates a program for nonemergency medical transportation services to eligible and enrolled Medical Assistance recipients.
• Establish two Medicaid outcome-based programs to increase efficiency in hospital services and managed care programs.
• Require the Department of Human Services to provide information about the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) program to individuals seeking long-term care services and supports, and issue a quarterly report.
• Extend the requirement that providers submit documentation of their costs for services that are provided to children receiving out-of-home placement services.
• Extend the hospital assessment, which generates additional state revenue and increases funds available for hospital Medicaid payments.
The governor is expected to sign the bill as part of the budget package.
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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